Blogs

It’s an early entry for the “Before” version of the Broncos game, because later today I’ll put out my best guess at what the 53-man roster will look like on Friday. I know — I’m sure you are all waiting with bated breath. There isn’t much to say before the final preseason game. We can talk about the final 53 and fighting for spots, but there are only a couple of roster holes you figure are still being determined (and really, it might not even be that many.)

— I wouldn’t want to have a post without mentioning the quarterback decision. I had one of those crazy thoughts as I was drifting off to sleep last night, a “What if” – as in, “What if coach Ken Whisenhunt decided to announce his QB in the postgame presser after the Denver game?” It won’t happen, I know, but that’d be one heck of a way to do it. Instead, I expect a press conference Friday since final cuts have to be made that day. That makes sense as a time he could do it. (Maybe I’m just wishing and hoping so I get a weekend off.) Either way, the decision is coming, which is good. I’m sure everyone is tired of talking about it. I know I’m ready for it to be over.

— There are three areas where you really wonder if this game will determine some spots. One is reserve offensive line – specifically, whether draft picks Senio Kelemete and/or Nate Potter have shown enough to nudge out a veteran. Another is defensive back, where you have a lot of choices and not a ton of spots. The other is running back, where William Powell gets his shot to play early, and we see if that is enough to unseat Alfonso Smith for a place on the roster.

— Peyton Manning is not expected to play against the Cardinals Thursday night. But the Broncos do have another quarterback that will generate interest, with rookie Brock Osweiler slated to come in after starter Caleb Hanie.

— With Dave Pasch off to be ESPN’s voice for the first game of the rest of Penn State’s life, Paul Calvisi will team with Ron Wolfley for the TV broadcast tomorrow night on ABC 15. It’s like Cardinals Underground, without me.

— The Cards are taking part in a backpack drive again this year, collecting new or gently used backpacks for needy kids. The program benefits the “Hope Endures” organization. Backpacks can be dropped off at UoP Stadium gates before the Broncos game.

OK. I’m off to the annual Kickoff Luncheon with the team. I’ll opine on the roster later. The preseason is almost over.

I’ve been thinking.. I don’t agree with whiz’s decision to start Lindley and not play Kolb or Skelton. In my opinion Kolb and Skelton should be the only ones playing. Who cares if it’s against the two’s and three’s, I think they need all the reps they can get. Who knows, having success against the two’s and three’s could actually boost their confidence.

I usually love what The Whiz does, but in this case I feel he really should have annouced a QB already so that the starter could get some reps with the first team which they obviously need, and also use this past week to get the first string QB ready. I fell like he is wasting a lot of time being so mysterious about it.

Cards4ever,
Bill Belichick would agree with you as the Patriots starters will see significant time, Why? Because they haven’t played so well, especially in their 3rd preseason game. But of course the Cardinals have looked stellar so far so we don’t really need much more preparation.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000055825/article/patriots-might-play-starters-plenty-in-preseason-finale?module=HP11_headline_stack
“Most teams take it easy during the final preseason game. Starters don’t play at all or they make a one series cameo…”
“New England’s offense has quietly been out of synch of late, especially on the line. Don’t be surprised if Brady and the boys are some of the few NFL stars getting significant work in the fourth preseason week.”

We’re so lucky our offense has played so well and how “in synch” our OL is aye? We are so well prepared for our first game against Seattle no?

I am leaning that Haggans will be the odd man out. Haggans is one that they could bring back mid-season return if needed. Williams was steady but not impressive. Groves has talent but I am unsure if he is up to speed on the defense. Not an easy call.

RE: OL
7 of 8 are clear to me. Batiste, College, Sendlein, Snyder, Massie, Bridges, and Kelemete. If Orhnberger is cut then they will carry a center on PS. I also think Potter is destined for PS. I think the 8th OL will come from waivers or trade. A Batiste-like vet that could bring some expereince while still capable.

Deuce has the experience, can he come back humble and with something to proove? it may be worth a chance, he would be cheap. as for a QB ? Start and play Kolb or Skelton, the whole game, they get hurt, question answered, they do well, question answered.

Honestly, I feel terrible for the ones who can make an impact in the game, or more importantly, “want” to. As Javier mentioned above, i also watched the NFL network part and Kurt Warner did reach out to both QB’s (skelton & kolb) and neither of them responded or showed the desire to take advice from a future HOFer in Kurt. To me, that is saddening for our organization and again I feel sorry for players like Fitzgerald and PP who show their talents day in and day out and have the hunger for success.

I didn’t hear this, don’t know the context or anything. Don’t forget, Kurt is a member of the media now — it wouldn’t be the first time a media member’s phone call wasn’t returned by a player. Plus he has gone on the air basically saying he wasn’t sure those guys will fit, especially Kolb.

That was the dumbest post I’ve ever read. Most teams don’t play their week 1 starters the final preseason game. If you paid attention at all, the Patriots didn’t play their starters. So since the Pats didn’t do it, you gonna take your comments back???

Let’s check Skelton’s historic so far.
His rookie year he was at the very best a 4th string QB under Leinart, Anderson and Hall, few reps, no consistency and all that rookie thing.

He was just thrown into a couple of games and disappointed no one regarding all the situation.

The following year: !! lockout !! that could have been the time to breed him, to make him a wolfpack leader. Again, he got into the field due to Kolb’s injury. He was not well prepared to that, not enough I believe. And once again he did not disappointed much, playing ok.

2012: He still have rookie conditions, this year, it’s believed he had the preparation necessary to be behind center, he ain’t gonna play his best yet, but let him grow, he has the tools, just needs some amends, those which regular season will provide. He doesn’t suck like Kolb does, that’s why I hope so badly he gets the starting role.

He stands in the pocket. He does not get flustered in the pocket. He has a good throwing arm. He is tall, and can throw the ball down the field, and he goes through his reads ….he just needs to have fun, and play great.!!!!